What is the Difference Between SEM and SEO

There are many terms and acronyms that are used in the online marketing world, and it is easy to feel confused if you don’t know what everything means. Search engine marketing (SEM) and search engine optimization (SEO) are two terms that people often mix up. Search Engine Marketing and Search Engine Optimization are two key aspects of online marketing, and it is easy to get confused between the two due to how similar they are. SEM and SEO are closely-related, however, there are distinctions between the two.

The purpose of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is to increase traffic to a website by increasing the sites ranking on search engine result pages. This includes making use of relevant keywords that search engine algorithms pick up on, creating consistent and high-quality content, and much more. Backlinks, which means having other well-known websites link back to your website, as well as getting shares on social media also tie into SEO. All of these elements come together to draw your intended audience to your site.

Search Engine Marketing (SEM) is a way for businesses to increase their site’s visibility in engine search result pages. This is typically done through paid advertisement services, such as Google Ads. SEO is just one part of search engine marketing. There are several other pieces that tie into SEM. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns, for example, are also an important part of SEM.

What is Pay-Per-Click Marketing?

Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns are an advertisement method in which advertisers pay to have their ads placed where there desired audience will see them. The advertiser pays the publisher each time an online user clicks on one of their ads. This is a fast way of creating results, which is especially beneficial for newer companies. The almost immediate results are one of the main draws of this type of advertising. Performance First Marketing is skilled in creating Pay-Per-Click campaigns that are effective in drawing in more views.

A common mistake that people making is using these terms interchangeably. Although they are very closely related, they are not the same thing. If you break it down, the difference between search engine optimization and search engine marketing is that SEO is a component of SEM, but search engine marketing also encompasses much more.

Which is better: SEM or SEO?

Both search engine marketing and search engine optimization are important factors in having a successful online presence. Every marketing plan needs individual tailoring in order to be effective. A mix of multiple marketing tactics is best for directing the largest amount of traffic to your site. This is where Performance First Marketing can assist you. Our professional marketing team can determine what tactics will prove most successful for your company. Hire us and see how we can improve your site’s visibility and increase traffic to your site.

Both search engine optimization and search engine marketing are important aspects of online success. Performance First has the knowledge of online marketing necessary to increase your site’s success. Contact us at (818) 949-2618 or online to find out what we can do to help you with your online marketing plan.